The wet weather from the past week is continuing to delay crop development and haying operations for farmers in the Lloydminster region.
The Saskatchewan crop report for the week of July 14 to 20 indicates a majority of crops are at their normal stages of development in the northwest region, but warmer weather will be needed to dry fields and improve crop conditions.
Fall cereals are at 85 per cent normal development and 13 per cent behind, spring cereals are 73 per cent normal and 20 per cent behind. Oilseed crops are 72 per cent normal and 21 per cent behind while pulse crops are 82 per cent normal and 13 per cent behind.
Rainfall varied in parts of the region with 43 mm falling in the Turtleford area and 14 mm in Lloydminster. Topsoil moisture conditions have worsened due to the rainfall. Both cropland topsoil moisture and hay and pasture land topsoil moisture are rated 14 per cent surplus and 86 per cent adequate.
The weather has also delayed haying operations and hay yields across the province are below normal with many producers feeling unsure if a second cut is possible this year. Livestock producers in the northwest area have 14 per cent of hay crop cut and eight per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 10 per cent excellent, 60 per cent good and 30 per cent fair.
Most of the crop damage this week came from localized flooding and disease. Crop conditions vary across the region, but there are reports of crops suffering from excess moisture. Disease pressure is high in some areas and producers are applying fungicides by air as fields remain wet.
Farmers will be haying, scouting for disease and insects in the next week.